Grilled Turkey Breast is amazingly easy. Moist, tender, and flavorful—perfect for smaller gatherings or Thanksgiving. Add the optional Brown Sugar rub for even more flavor or seasoning of your choice.
Bone-in or boneless turkey breast; oil: butter, olive oil, or vegetable oil; optional brine and rub; additional optional seasoning: pepper, sprigs of fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary;
Fire up that backyard BBQ grill for this easy recipe. Simply prepare the turkey, set the grill to the desired temperature, put it on the grill, and come back in a few hours.
Use this recipe for any smaller gathering when you dont need a whole turkey. A great summer change of pace or for a smaller holiday feast. Use the suggested brown sugar spice, a BBQ rub, or season like a traditional holiday bird.
I started with a recipe from the Chicago Tribune with a brown sugar brine and rub. It was a good beginning, but I simplified, added more information, and made some changes and choices to the instructions.
Master the art of charcoal grilling a turkey breast with this detailed guide, incorporating expert tips and insights from two renowned sources: Kitchen Joy and Weber Grills
The allure of a perfectly grilled turkey breast, bursting with smoky flavor and juicy tenderness, is undeniable. This guide unlocks the secrets to achieving this culinary masterpiece on your charcoal grill, drawing upon the wisdom of Kitchen Joy and Weber Grills. Whether you’re a seasoned grilling enthusiast or a novice venturing into the world of charcoal grilling, this comprehensive resource will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to impress your guests and elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Dry Brining:
- Enhance the flavor and texture of your turkey breast with a dry brine.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of rubbed sage, ½ teaspoon of rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture into and under the skin of the turkey, ensuring even distribution.
- Place the brined turkey on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan and refrigerate uncovered for 2-3 days.
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
Grilling the Turkey Breast
Setting Up the Charcoal Grill:
- Prepare your charcoal grill by arranging the charcoal along one side in the bottom of the grill.
- On the opposite side, place a disposable aluminum tray filled with water and your chosen wood chunks (maple, apple, cherry, or hickory are excellent choices).
- Soak the wood chunks in the water for 30 minutes prior to grilling.
- Use a charcoal chimney starter to efficiently light the charcoal, avoiding the need for starter fluid.
- Let the charcoals burn until glowing red before transferring them to the grill, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust the air vents to achieve medium-low INDIRECT heat, aiming for a temperature around 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking the Turkey Breast:
- Place the turkey breast skin-side down on the preheated grill.
- Replace the grill cover and cook for 1 hour before checking the temperature.
- Flip the turkey breast over and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, monitoring the temperature periodically.
- Aim for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, measured using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone.
- If necessary, add more charcoal and open the vents to increase browning as desired.
- Once the desired internal temperature is reached, transfer the cooked turkey to a platter and tent with foil for 20 minutes before carving.
Additional Tips and Insights
Cooking Time:
- As a general rule, estimate 1 ½ hours of grilling time per 5 pounds of turkey breast.
- For a 7-8 pound bone-in turkey breast, anticipate a cooking time of approximately 2 hours.
- For a 12-14 pound whole turkey, plan for 4-5 hours of grilling.
- Remember, cooking time is merely an estimate, and using a thermometer is essential to ensure safe and accurate doneness.
Controlling Grill Temperature:
- More air equals higher heat, while less air results in lower heat.
- Adjust the vents on your grill accordingly to maintain the desired temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spatchcocking:
- For quicker cooking times, consider spatchcocking the turkey breast. This involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, allowing for more even heat distribution and faster cooking.
Safety and Sanitation:
- Always use a clean and sanitized grill to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw poultry.
- Ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
With this comprehensive guide and the combined expertise of Kitchen Joy and Weber Grills, you’re well-equipped to embark on your charcoal grilling adventure and create a mouthwatering turkey breast that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast. Remember, patience, precision, and a dash of culinary creativity are the key ingredients to success. So, fire up your grill, embrace the smoky allure of charcoal grilling, and prepare to impress your guests with a culinary masterpiece that will leave them craving for more.
✔️Tips to get it right every time
- Use the turkey breast you want. I prefer to use half of a bone-in breast, but butterflying the entire breast also works nicely. Additionally, boneless turkey breast or turkey tenderloin will work with some time adjustments.
- Both an instant-read meat thermometer and a grill surface thermometer are necessary. The grill lid’s thermometer is unreliable; don’t rely on it. A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill has a more thorough explanation of grill surface temperature.
- It is possible to use a charcoal grill, but temperature control is much more difficult.
- Using direct heat to brown the skin produces beautiful grill marks and char. You can skip the browning step if you want.
Other turkey recipes and serving dishes
As with most recipes, the ability to regulate the cooking and final temperatures will be critical to your success as a cook.
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How To Grill A Turkey Breast – Ace Hardware
FAQ
How long do you cook 2 turkey breasts together?
Do you grill a turkey breast up or down?
How many minutes per pound for a turkey on a charcoal grill?
How long to smoke a 2 lb boneless turkey breast?
How do you cook a turkey breast on a charcoal grill?
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat. 2. In a large bowl, combine the butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Brush the turkey inside and out with the butter mixture. 4. Place the turkey on the grill, breast-side up. 5.
Can you cook a Turkey on a charcoal grill?
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you cook a delicious and juicy turkey on your charcoal grill. grilling a turkey on a charcoal grill is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your turkey will be perfectly cooked and flavorful.
Can you cook a turkey breast on a gas grill?
Whether you’re using a gas grill or a charcoal grill, cooking with indirect heat is the best way to insure a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey breast. If you were to cook it over direct heat, the outside would get overcooked before the internal temperature was where it needed to be.
Do you flip a turkey breast on a grill?
There is no need to flip a turkey breast when it’s on the grill, as it will cook evenly in the pan so long as the grill is covered and the temperature remains at 350 degrees or greater. What temperature do you grill a turkey at?